Question to anyone who would care to answer... Is a Master's degree in Project Management a step above a PMP certification, a stepping stone to it, or a waste of time -- get a PMP? In today's job market, what are employers looking for more -- a degree or a certification? Saving Changes...
Thanks to everyone for your advise and help. Bethany, I will send you my resume in a month or so. I still have some time left on Active Duty, and I want to finish my certification before I finalize a resume (unless you think I can get those on some companies DIME).
Also I am fully willing to relocate as long as Salary matches cost of living. I noticed some jobs paying the same to work in Ohio as they do in San Fran. Noone can live on an Ohio Salary in San Fransisco.
Next question since I have all you people so gratious to help me out. I am starting the process of getting my PMP. During my research I noticed all these online training for the PMP exam. How much should I should I be spending for this training. Also I looked into the Masters Certificate(not degree) in Project Mangement from Villanova Online. It seems to me that this is just a class to prepare for the exam and not any type of certificate that will help me gain employment. Am I right? Also can't I just get some of the PMBOK books and learn by myself? Will my Military experience count towards the 7500 hours of experience? Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
You can learn and do PMP on your own without doing any classes. All your prior management experience will count towards what PMI is asking for. Personally, I know about many people who got certifed by going through te PMBOK materials and other related stuff. Ofcourse, going for classes will focus on the essentials and you may gain time for the cost incurred. If I were you, I would do it myself as you seem very motivated to do it on your own :-). Go on and do it! Saving Changes...
There is no reason for you to pay for your PMP certification unless you are going for a position where it specifically states you already need it. Many positions state that as long as you are working towards certification, it is okay. Especially in those cases, I would think the company would pay for your certification.
As to which classes, etc you should choose. If all you want is the piece of paper in the shortest amount of time, Cheetah Learning has a five day class (four days cramming with the fifth day actually taking the test) where they guarantee you will pass - if you don't they let you keep coming back until you do. However, if you really want to learn about project management and the theory behind the methodology, I would recommend taking classes through ESI (full disclaimer - I've taken like nine classes through them) working towards a certifiation and then sitting for PMP exam. Most companies will pay for these classes. I'm not familiar with Villanova but I do take some exception to them in that they are the only place where I've seen that they offer a Six Sigma Black Belt certification without actually managing a project within a Six Sigma company. It just goes against my grain. In any event, having that Masters Certificate can be help - it shows that you are dedicated to your craft and keeping current. If after all of this, you feel you really want to study on your own, I would recommend Rita McCaully's book and joining your local PMI chapters study group.
As for your military experience - if you have done the various phases required by PMI, why would it make a difference whether it is civilian or not.
Lastly, just so you know the reason I'm offering to help - my husband is in the military and it absolutely floors me that most military personnal really don't value the skills they have learned in the military. It took several years of me introducing my husband to my recruiter friends before he finally believed that he was worth triple what the military pays him if he went the civilian route. It doesn't matter your MOS, it's the overall management experience you gain. And that goes for officers and enlisted (assuming the enlisted person at least reached LCpl level). Hope all this helps and good luck! If you do send me your resume, make sure the subject line will grab my attention (if I'm not looking for an email, I tend to delete as I get a lot of spam). Saving Changes...
John GuilfoyleMilitary| US NAVYRichmond, Il, United States
Hello all, it is interesting I stumbled on this discussion. I am also in the military, a Senior NCO in the Navy (E-8), been in 19 years and on the verge of retiring. I have also been scouring the internet for the best possible certifcations to make me marketable prior to starting the next chapter in my life.
A little about my qualifications. I just completed my MS in Project Management, I am in an advanced electronic field, currently completed all requirements for a Black Belt in Six Sigma, looking at my PMP next, probably won't complete prior to my transition though. I also have a Top Secret-SCI clearance.
I have been batting the idea of completing an MBA prior to retiring but wonder if my MS-Project Management is enough.
I am in the Illinois area, Great Lakes just north of Chicago. Anyway, I am trying to scout out some job prospects prior to actually taking the plunge.
Just getting my foot out there and appreciate any and all responses. Thank You
I'm not very familiar with the Chicago area job market but from what you described in your brief post, you sound like a recruiter's dream!! The many years of experience you have, the fact that you have your MS and Black Belt are just awesome. I wouldn't worry about the MBA issue. You already have your MS in PM and if you think about it, managing a project is very similiar to managing your own company... (just my .02) - It's funny though that you had that thought. My husband is also in the military and he has completed a Masters in Leadership but is also thinking about the MBA - When I asked him why, he stated because he felt like he was lacking business skills being in the military.... I tend to disagree and think he is just over sensative... Anyways, hopefully the links provided earlier in this string are helpful to you. Let us know how it goes. Saving Changes...
Sean S HasleyFacility Manager/IT & Training Coordinator| CIBERApo, Ae, United States
I only have 3 more classes until I have completed my Masters in Information Technology, specializing in Project Management and I have discovered, that usually that the company, that hires an individual with a Masters will usually invest in the individual to get PMP certification, as well. If you get it on your own that makes you more marketable and with a Black Belt in Six Sigma the sky is the limit on possible positions and salary, so good luck.
Also join PMI and your local chapter will keep your PMP certification current with PDUs (Profession Development Units). I believe that you need 35 PDUs within 3 years after getting certified. A month meeting is usually 2 PDU
Also I too have nearly 21 years with the Navy too Saving Changes...
Niranjan nayak Regional Cordinator- Finishes| KEC INTERNATIONAL LTDGhala, Oman, Oman
If we consider mba in project management and pmp..both are meant for how to manage a projext efficiently in all reapect . But to be a moe efficient in management skill both should be taken for gaining as a whole knowledge in management skill...
Pmp is a internatonal certification course where as mba is university affilated master course...but both gives sound platform as together in enhancing knowledge in project managemnt. Saving Changes...
Olumuyiwa AdegoriteCEO| Knightsbridge Project and Consult LtdIkeja, Lagos, Nigeria
The two qualifications are complementary. While PMP is seen as the gold standard for project management, a Masters in Project Management won't hurt you. However, don't forget that you need experience before you get PMP so while not start with the Masters, gain experience and apply for PMP. I see you becoming a winner if you follow this path. Saving Changes...
Gary SwiftSeeking new opprotunity| Seeking New OpportunitiesCranberry Township, Pa, United States
Hello Scott,
I am currently working towards my CAPM certification, and will be starting my MS in Project Management in January 2017. I would suggest getting both, if you have the requirements go for the PMP, and then enroll for your Master's. If however you do not have the requirements necessary to qualify for the PMP, might I suggest getting your CAPM first as a stepping stone to your PMP. Either way the CAPM, PMP, and Master is Project Management will show any prospective employer your dedication, and willingness to wan to succeed in Project Management. Saving Changes...
Hey everyone I am studying post graduation in Project management.Now just want to know which courses i need to choose after my PG that help me to get more work permit in canada. So can you please suggest me any 1 year course that help me to broaden my knowledge about Project Management.
